The O'Jays final album takes on Trump, the wall, racism

1of3The O’Jays have released their final album, "The Last Word" that takes on the Trump administration and social injustice with a message of love and togetherness.Photo: Denise Truscello

2of3The O’Jays have released their final album, "The Last Word" that takes on the Trump administration and social injustice with a message of love and togetherness.Photo: Denise Truscello

3of3The O’Jays have released their final album, "The Last Word" that takes on the Trump administration and social injustice with a message of love and togetherness.Photo: Denise Truscello

Legendary soul group The O'Jays is using its final album to tackle the Trump administration.

"The Last Word," out today, is a biting condemnation of the president and his policies. The nine-track album zeroes in on racial inequality, gun violence and the wall. It's the group's first in 20 years and includes co-writes by Betty Wright and Buno Mars.

The O'Jays perform May 11 as part of the Mother's Day Soul Music Fest at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land. The lineup features Stephanie Mills, Con Funk Shun and El DeBarge.

"I look at what is going on in the world and not much seems to have changed from when we first started doing this," Eddie Levert says in a statement. "On this album we addressed those issues as well as the intolerance we see coming out of the Trump Administration on a daily basis."

"Above the Law" is a menacing track that doesn't flinch in its criticism:

"So now man with pen in his hand/Changes the lay and the law of the land

Reinvent slavery/Erase the war on poverty

So now you say we're all created equal/But the sound of the gavel tells quite another sequel

Black boy on drugs imprisonment and a heavy fine

White boy on drugs rehab and treatment to restore his mind

Using religion as a deadly weapon/Dealing with me unrighteously"

The group is no stranger to tackling social issues in its music. It's been a staple alongside those classic singalong hits. But this feels particularly urgent in a time when so many artists are speaking out. And so many others still haven't.

"I Got You": "Even if the sky begins to fall/And even if they try to build that wall/Join in the rebellion/It is how we save the world/I can imagine a future where there is no hate ..."

"Stand Up (Show Love)": "Turn off the TV to avoid the news/Look up to heaven cause I'm so confused/Another child lost to the city/No place to hide, even the finer schools ..."

"Do You Really Know How I Feel": "Walk on the other side of town/Beautiful houses all around/I don't hear no men scream/I don't hear no sirens/You smile in my face/Tell me it won't be this way always/When I say it's been 400 years/You say you know how I feel/But do you really know how I feel?"

"Pressure": "Pressure made him buy the gun/Mere pressure made him shoot that father's only son ..."

It can be a heavy listen, but it's done with the O'Jays' unmistakable groove -- and ultimately lands on a hopeful note.

"Don't give up or lose your trust," they sing on "Start Stoppin.'"

"'Cause we ain't done."

Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle and also covers everything from "Drag Race" to "Idol." Follow him on Twitter. Send him news tips at joey.guerra@chron.com.

Joey Guerra is the music critic for the Houston Chronicle. He also covers various aspects of pop culture. He has reviewed hundreds of concerts and interviewed hundreds of celebrities, from Justin Bieber to Dolly Parton to Beyonce. He’s appeared as a regular correspondent on Fox26 and was head judge and director of the Pride Superstar singing competition for a decade. He has been named journalist of the year multiple times by both OutSmart Magazine and the FACE Awards. He also covers various aspects of pop culture, including the local drag scene and "RuPaul's Drag Race."